Between myth and reality

At this exhibition you will meet J.F. Willumsen (1863-1958) og Jean René Gauguin (1881-1961) the young artist Klara Lilja (1989-) in a dialogue across time. Despite obvious differences, their sculptural, ceramic works speak together through a colorful, figurative and wildly imaginative idiom. In all three, one finds something both magnificent and quirky in their expressions and motifs, and through courageous experiments they take the ceramic expression into completely new directions.

Neither Willumsen, Gauguin nor Lilja are trained ceramists. Their work with clay is self-taught and builds on experiences from the visual arts. Driven by curiosity to explore the possibilities of ceramics, they create three-dimensional works that move freely between sculpture, decoration and utility object.

Between myth and reality focuses particularly on the three artists' process and inspiration in the choice of motif, technique and material. Their starting points and premises for creating ceramics are vastly different, their sources of inspiration diverse, and yet there are strong similarities. They share an interest in the colorful glazes and firing techniques of ancient China and Japan, in the mythology and idiom of antiquity, and in the European ceramic tradition.

Inspiration from the past

Thematically, they all revolve around great mythical stories coupled with motifs from the real world. Willumsen draws inspiration from ancient myths and the pictorial world of Egypt, among other things, and intertwines them with completely personal experiences. Like Lilja, he is fascinated by the 1500th-century ceramist Palissy's poetic and sumptuous depictions of nature on earthenware dishes.

Pop cultural influence

Gauguin celebrates drama and movement in his depictions of wildlife, modern athletes, and ancient and Christian myths in an expression that borrows elements from indigenous Peruvian art. Meanwhile, Lilja's works embrace both traditional, mythological tales and reach into her own time. Here, body and nature merge with alchemy and the occult, Korean pop culture and computer games, Japanese manga and dark fantasy.

In a sculptural, imaginative idiom, Willumsen, Gauguin and Lilja now meet each other between past and present, between myth and reality.

Help us take care of the works

Due to the protection of the objects on display, it is unfortunately not permitted to bring bags of any kind into the ceramics exhibition. It is possible to lock your personal items in lockers in the basement.

Unfortunately, we are also unable to allow strollers in the exhibitions. We have strollers at the museum that you are welcome to borrow, and where the backrest can be folded down. However, we encourage you to bring a baby carrier for your little one – or let them sleep safely in the stroller at the ticket office. We will probably keep an eye on them for a while.

We hope for your understanding and wish you a lot of fun!